Tuesday, March 3, 2015

zoning news

The Ligonier Valley's many clean streams and unbroken forests are unique, said Cynthia Walter, a biology professor and researcher for 30 years. The township's distinctive geology makes it “extremely susceptible to any industry that would leak on the surface or the subsurface any toxic materials that came from humans or came from toxic sources deep below the earth,” she said.

Planning Commission Chairman Mark Spitzer said he is concerned about the region and is an advocate for property owners' rights.

Spitzer said the township will continue to take public input on the proposed ordinance and address residents' concerns in the final law.

“We're trying to be very sensitive to retain the quality of Ligonier's aesthetics,” he said.

Mike Kuzemchak is Laurel Highlands program director for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which has helped placed more than 3,300 acres in the township into various conservation easements over the last four decades.

“We're in fact-finding mode,” said Kuzemchak, who planned to meet with township officials.